German Shepherd dogs, as well as the other herding breeds that we have in rescue, are highly active, energetic, working breeds. They require considerable vetting, exercise, socialization, training, leadership and mental stimuli in order to be well-adjusted, well-balanced, and well-mannered dogs. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings in order to work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. These breeds make great additions to active families who will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

If you are new to German Shepherds (and other herding breeds), please research the breed to make sure this is the dog for you. We ask that you consider the time and financial commitment that your German Shepherd (or other herding breed) dog will require before applying for one. Please review the section on our website (www.heartlandgsrescue.org) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.

Patrick and siblings -6 boys and 2 girls total- were found alone (no parents) in a rural arear in Missouri. The finders cared for them for a couple of weeks until it became too much, at which point they asked a small local shelter for help. The shelter reached out to us for assistance, and that is how these babies come to be with us! They are sweet, adorable puppies, that appear to be German Shepherd/Australian Cattle Dog (Red Heeler) mixes, and we are guessing they will be medium to large-sized when fully grown.

Patrick enjoys playing tug and exploring his surroundings with friends. He gets along well with other dogs but gives most of his attention to his humans. He doesn't like to be alone, so helping him build confidence is important. He sleeps in his crate at night but likes to be tucked in first! He is good about telling you when he needs out of his crate to go potty. Patrick loves to cuddle and is sure to bring your family lots of smiles!

The adoption fee for the puppies for the Hell's Kitchen Litter is $395, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. 

Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply. Like any of our dogs, these puppies would make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, good leadership, activity and mental stimulation that their breed needs. Because of that, their ideal owners will have prior GSD, or other herding breed experience. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings, in order to provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills, and manners.